Belgium: Belgian soccer is facing a massive corruption probe

Belgium’s top soccer league is being investigated over allegations of corruption, organized crime and match fixing, Belgian authorities confirmed Thursday.

Belgian police launched 44 raids Wednesday and Thursday, according to a statement by the country’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, searching the offices of nine soccer clubs as well as numerous houses in Belgium and across Europe. Among the clubs are the country’s biggest team, RSC Anderlecht, the 2017-18 champions, Club Brugge, and other high-profile names.

Five people were charged in the case Thursday — four for “criminal organization” and corruption, and a fifth for money laundering.